Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Lionel Messi Contract Update: Is the Argentine Staying at Inter Miami or Headed Away?

Amid Swirling Transfer Rumors, the MLS Club and Messi Remain Locked in Talks As Fans Await a Decision.

Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year deal which is set to end at the end of the MLS 2025 season. The Argentine joined the club on a Designated Player contract. Now, with his deal nearing its end, his future at the club is hanging in the balance.

Messi hasn’t signed any deal yet as rumours began that he may return to Europe for a six-month spell before the World Cup next year. However, negotiations over a contract extension with Miami are going on behind the scenes. According to ESPN, discussions between Messi’s camp and the club are positive.

🚨ESPN: “Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are still negotiating a contract renewal. Despite recent rumors linking him to other clubs, both Messi and Inter Miami remain keen to continue their partnership on the field.” pic.twitter.com/8T6zne7gPM
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) July 4, 2025

Even so, no agreement has been finalized yet. Since his arrival, Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes. He has scored 31 goals and provided 22 assists in just 38 league appearances. His influence helped Miami clinch their first-ever trophies – the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

He even helped them qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup. Club co-owner Jorge Mas recently expressed his desire to see Messi lead Inter Miami into a new era. Speaking to ESPN, Mas said, “We wish for Messi to finish his career here.”

Also Read: Lionel Messi ‘Plays With Statues’ at Inter Miami: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

He added, “He is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years.” Mas also dreams of Messi opening Miami Freedom Park, the club’s new stadium scheduled to launch in March 2026.

Transfer Rumours Continue to Swirl Around Lionel Messi

Despite the club’s optimism, speculation around Messi’s next move refuses to go away. Reports have not only linked him with a return to Europe but also a romantic homecoming to Barcelona. Rumours even began about a stint at Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club in Argentina.

Also Read: Thomas Muller Addresses Inter Miami Links Ahead of Bayern Munich Exit

However, The Athletic reported that a European return is highly unlikely. Sources close to Messi say he is happy in Florida. At this stage of his life, he prefers this life away from the intense spotlight of Europe’s top leagues. Head coach Javier Mascherano also avoided commenting on Messi’s future.

He iterated, “I don’t get involved in those matters. We’re focused on competing.” As Inter Miami prepare for a tough July schedule in MLS and the Leagues Cup, speculations surrounding Messi’s future remain the talk of the town. Especially with the 2026 World Cup not so far away.

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Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.